U.S. patent application number 17/262420 was filed with the patent office on 2021-12-23 for clothes treatment apparatus.
This patent application is currently assigned to LG ELECTRONICS INC.. The applicant listed for this patent is LG ELECTRONICS INC.. Invention is credited to Junyoung CHOI, Wansik NAM, Hyeyong PARK, Sunghoo PARK.
Application Number | 20210395933 17/262420 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 1000005680824 |
Filed Date | 2021-12-23 |
United States Patent
Application |
20210395933 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
CHOI; Junyoung ; et
al. |
December 23, 2021 |
CLOTHES TREATMENT APPARATUS
Abstract
The present disclosure relates to a clothes treatment apparatus
comprising: an outer case having a first opening of which the front
is open; an inner case provided inside the outer case; a machine
room forming part positioned at the lower part of the inner case so
as to form a machine room separated from the inner case; a foaming
space formed between the outer case and the machine room forming
part; foamed plastics filled in the foaming space; and strength
reinforcing parts positioned at both side surfaces of the outer
case in the foaming space so as to reinforce the strength of the
outer case.
Inventors: |
CHOI; Junyoung; (Seoul,
KR) ; NAM; Wansik; (Seoul, KR) ; PARK;
Sunghoo; (Seoul, KR) ; PARK; Hyeyong; (Seoul,
KR) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
LG ELECTRONICS INC. |
Seoul |
|
KR |
|
|
Assignee: |
LG ELECTRONICS INC.
Seoul
KR
|
Family ID: |
1000005680824 |
Appl. No.: |
17/262420 |
Filed: |
July 30, 2019 |
PCT Filed: |
July 30, 2019 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/KR2019/009478 |
371 Date: |
September 2, 2021 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
62711629 |
Jul 30, 2018 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
D06F 73/02 20130101;
D06F 35/00 20130101; D06F 58/20 20130101; D06F 58/10 20130101 |
International
Class: |
D06F 35/00 20060101
D06F035/00; D06F 58/10 20060101 D06F058/10; D06F 58/20 20060101
D06F058/20; D06F 73/02 20060101 D06F073/02 |
Claims
1. A laundry treating apparatus, comprising: an outer case having a
first front opening; an inner case provided inside the outer case
and defining e space for holding clothes; a machine room forming
portion located below the inner case and defining a machine room
separated from the inner case; a foaming space defined between the
outer case and the inner case, between the outer case and the
machine room forming portion, and between the inner case and the
machine room forming portion; foamed plastics filling the foaming
space; and a reinforcing portion located on two side surfaces of
the outer case and configured to strengthen the outer case.
2. The laundry treating apparatus of claim 1, wherein the
reinforcing portion is an L-shape bracket.
3. The laundry treating apparatus of claim 2, wherein the bracket
comprises: a first member facing toward a top of the outer case
from a bottom of the outer case: a second member facing toward a
front of the outer case from a rear of the outer case; and an
overlapping portion in which the first and second members overlap
and are coupled to each other.
4. The laundry treating apparatus of claim 3, wherein the outer
case further comprises a second opening, wherein the laundry
treating apparatus further comprises a rear panel coupled to the
second opening and defining a rear surface of the outer case, and
wherein the rear panel comprises a first rear panel coupled to the
second opening and defining a rear surface connected to the inner
case, and a second rear panel coupled to the second opening and
defining a rear surface connected to the machine room forming
portion.
5. The laundry treating apparatus of claim 4, further comprising a
base defining a floor of the outer case, wherein the outer case
further comprises: a first outer case flange extending from a
bottom of each of the two side surfaces of the outer case to the
other side surface; a first coupling portion coupled to a bottom of
the machine room forming portion by a recess of the first outer
case flange toward the inner case; a second outer case flange
extending from a rear of each of the two side surfaces of the outer
case to the other side surface; and a second coupling portion
coupled to the machine room forming portion by a recess of the
second outer case flange toward the first opening, and wherein the
bracket has a shape formed by bending of a bar two times in a width
direction, and an avoidance space for avoiding interference with
the first coupling portion and the second coupling portion is
formed when the bracket is installed.
6. The laundry treating apparatus of claim 5, wherein the bar bends
in a length direction such that a length (L1) of the first member
is equal to a length (L2) of the second member, so that the bracket
is provided to be coupled to any one of both side surfaces of the
outer case
7. The laundry treating apparatus of 6, wherein the bracket
comprises: a first bracket located at a bottom of one side surface
of the outer case; and a second bracket located at a bottom of the
other side surface of the outer case.
8. The laundry treating apparatus of claim 5, wherein when the bar
bends three times in the width direction, the bracket comprises: a
first bending surface coupled to the side surface of the outer
case; a second bending surface and a third bending surface defining
the avoidance space; and a fourth bending surface coupled to the
first outer case flange or the second outer case flange, wherein a
width (W1) of the first bending surface is greater than a width
(W4) of the fourth bending surface.
9. The laundry treating apparatus of claim 5, wherein a length
(LB1) of a first bending surface of the bracket is greater than a
length (LB2) of a fourth bending surface of the bracket.
10. The laundry treating apparatus of claim 5, wherein when the bar
bends in a length direction, caulking is applied the overlapping
portion in which the first and second members overlap with each
other.
11. The laundry treating apparatus of claim 1, wherein the
reinforcing portion is located within the foaming space.
12. The laundry treating apparatus of claim 1, wherein the foamed
plastics are any one of polyurethane, polystyrene, and polyolefin.
Description
BACKGROUND
Technical Field
[0001] The present disclosure relates to a laundry treating
apparatus.
Background Information
[0002] In general, a laundry treating apparatus refers to an
apparatus capable of performing various operations related to
laundry (washing, drying, deodorization, wrinkle removal, etc.).
The laundry treating apparatus is a concept including a laundry
machine configured to wash laundry, a dryer configured to dry wet
laundry, and a refresher configured to remove odors or wrinkles
from laundry.
[0003] In recent years, the laundry treating apparatus has been
developed as a single device capable of carrying out all of
washing, drying, deodorization, and wrinkle removal. FIG. 1
illustrates a laundry treating apparatus disclosed in Korean Patent
Publication No. 10-2009-0124596. Referring to FIG. 1, the laundry
treating apparatus includes an inner case 20 configured to provide
a space for holding clothes, a hot air supplier (now shown)
configured to supply hot air or water into the inner case 20 from
the bottom of the inner case 20, and an outer case 31, 32, 33, and
40 disposed outside the inner case 20 and hot air supplier and
configured to the external appearance thereof.
[0004] While storing clothes in the space provided by the inner
case 20, the conventional laundry treating apparatus may deodorize
the clothes and remove wrinkles from the clothes by providing hot
air through the hot air supplier (not shown), which is disposed at
the bottom of a cabinet, or compressing the clothes. In other
words, since the laundry treating apparatus provides hot air or
water while clothes spread out in the cabinet due to gravity, the
laundry treating apparatus may deodorize the clothes and remove
wrinkles therefrom without extra devices.
[0005] The conventional laundry treating apparatus further includes
a frame 10 to fix the shapes of the inner case 20, hot air
supplier, and cabinet and improve the durability thereof. The frame
10 may include a plurality of vertical frames 11 provided in the
vertical direction and a plurality of horizontal frames 12
configured to couple the vertical frames 11 in the horizontal
direction. According y, the frame 10 may stably support the inner
case 200 and effectively absorb vibrations generated in the hot air
supplier (not shown).
[0006] However, there has been some difficulties in manufacturing
the laundry treating apparatus. The vertical frames 11 need to be
coupled to the horizontal frames 12, the inner case 20 and hot air
supplier need to be fixed to the frame 10, and the outer case 31,
32, 33, and 40 needs to be coupled to the flame 10. In particular,
when the cabinet is disposed on the top surface 31, the side
surfaces 32 and 33, and the rear surface 40, each of these
components need to be coupled to the frame 10.
[0007] In addition, when the inner case 20 is coupled to the outer
ease 31, 32, 33, and 40 as well as when the frame 10 is assembled,
coupling members, for example, 120 or more volts and nuts are
required.
[0008] As a result, the following problems have arisen. The
manufacturing of the laundry treating apparatus is time-consuming.
Also, if a specific coupling member is not completely coupled or
omitted, the durability of the laundry treating apparatus is not
guaranteed, that is, the defect rate increases.
[0009] To solve the above problems, it has been considered that
frames are replaced with foamed plastics. To this end, the foamed
plastics may be injected between an inner case 120 (see FIG. 2A)
and an outer case 110 (see FIG. 2A), which will be described later.
When the foamed plastics are injected between the inner case 120
(see FIG. 2) and an outer case 110 (see FIG. 2) for foam molding
instead of using frames, it may provide multiple advantages such as
noise and vibration reduction, heat insulation improvement,
production cost reduction, and so on. However, the structural
stiffness may decrease compared to when the frames 11 and 12 are
used. In particular, the structural stiffness may decrease at the
bottom of a side surface 112 of the outer case 110 so that the
bottom of the side surface 112 of the outer case 110 may become
vulnerable to bending deformation.
SUMMARY
Technical Problem
[0010] One object of the present disclosure is to provide a laundry
treating apparatus including a reinforcing portion for compensating
for a decrease in the structural stiffness due to the use of foamed
plastics. Another object of the present disclosure is to provide a
laundry treating apparatus including a reinforcing portion formed
in an L shape in conformity with the bottom shape of a side surface
of an outer case, which is relatively vulnerable, and designed
symmetrically so as to be available on any side surfaces.
Technical Solution
[0011] To achieve these objects and other advantages and in
accordance with the purpose of the disclosure, an L-shape bracket
may be installed at the rear and bottom of each side surfaces of an
outer case. The installation of the L-shape bracket may reinforce
weak portions. The brackets installed on the two side surfaces are
designed to have the same stiffness. Further, since the L-shape
bracket is installed between a side surface of a machine room
forming portion and a side surface of the outer case during
preassembly, the L-shape bracket may be covered by foamed plastics
during foaming.
[0012] In one aspect of the present disclosure, a laundry treating
apparatus is provided. The laundry treating apparatus may include:
an outer case having a first front opening; an inner case provided
inside the outer case and defining a space for holding clothes; a
machine room forming portion located below the inner case and
defining a machine room separated from the inner case; a foaming
space defined between the outer case and the inner case, between
the outer case and the machine room forming portion, and between
the inner case and the machine room forming portion; foamed
plastics filling the foaming space; and a reinforcing portion
located on two side surfaces of the outer case and configured to
strengthen the outer case.
[0013] The reinforcing portion may be an L-shape bracket. The
bracket may include: a first member facing toward a top of the
Outer case from a bottom of the outer case; a second member facing
toward a front of the outer case from a rear of the outer case; and
an overlapping portion in which the first and second members
overlap and are coupled to each other.
[0014] The outer case may further include a second opening. The
laundry treating apparatus may further include a rear panel coupled
to the second opening and defining a rear surface of the outer
case. The rear panel may include a first rear panel coupled to the
second opening and defining a rear surface connected to the inner
case and a second rear panel coupled to the second opening and
defining a rear surface connected to the machine room forming
portion.
[0015] The laundry treating apparatus may include a base defining a
floor of the outer case, The outer case may further include: a
first outer case flange extending from a bottom of each of the two
side surfaces of the outer case to the other side surface; a first
coupling portion coupled to a bottom of the machine room forming
portion by a recess of the first outer case flange toward the inner
case; a second outer case flange extending from a rear of each of
the two side surfaces of the outer case to the other side surface;
and a second coupling portion coupled to the machine room forming
portion by a recess of the second outer case flange toward the
first opening. The bracket may have a shape formed by bending of a
long bar two times in a width direction, and an avoidance space for
avoiding interference with the first coupling portion and the
second coupling portion may be formed when the bracket is
installed.
[0016] The bar may bend in a length direction such that a length
(L1) of the first member is equal to a length (L2) of the second
member, so that the bracket may be provided to be coupled to any
one of both side surfaces of the outer case.
[0017] The bracket may include: a first bracket located at a bottom
of one side surface of the outer case; and a second bracket located
at a bottom of the other side surface of the outer case.
[0018] When the bar bends two times in the width direction, the
bracket may include: a first bending surface coupled to the side
surface of the outer case; a second bending surface and a third
bending surface defining the avoidance space; and a fourth bending
surface coupled to the first outer case flange or the second outer
case flange. A width (W1) of the first bending surface may be
greater than a width (W4) of the fourth bending surface.
[0019] A length (LB1) of a first bending surface of the bracket may
be greater than a length (LB2) of a fourth bending surface of the
bracket.
[0020] When the bar bends in a length direction, caulking may be
applied the overlapping portion in which the first and second
members overlap with each other.
[0021] The reinforcing portion may be located within the foaming
space. The foamed plastics may be any one of polyurethane,
polystyrene, and polyolefin.
Advantageous Effects
[0022] As is apparent from the above description, the present
disclosure has effects as follows. A reinforcing portion for
compensating for a decrease in stiffness caused when foamed
plastics are used between inner and outer cases rather than frames
may be provided. The reinforcing portion may be commonly used
regardless of left and right sides, thereby reducing manufacturing
cost. A preassembly process may be simplified. The durability of
products may be improved, thereby increasing the reliability of
products.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0023] FIG. 1 shows the frames 11 and 12 of the conventional
laundry treating apparatus.
[0024] FIG. 2A is an exploded view of a laundry treating apparatus
preassembled before foam molding according to an embodiment of the
present disclosure, and FIG. 2B shows the laundry treating
apparatus after the foam molding viewed from the front thereof.
[0025] FIG. 3 shows a heat exchanger 220 and a steam generator 250
installed in the machine room 200 and a first through portion 1211
provided in the inner case 120.
[0026] FIG. 4 shows a second rear panel 142 and a base 190
disassembled from the laundry treating apparatus.
[0027] FIG. 5A is a view of a machine room forming portion 300
viewed from the front thereof, and FIG. 5B is a view of the machine
room forming portion 300 viewed from the rear thereof.
[0028] FIG. 6A shows a first bracket 510 before bending, FIG. 6B
shows the first bracket 510 after the bending, and FIG. 6C shows a
cross-section of the first bracket 510.
[0029] FIG. 7A shows a cross-section of a second coupling portion
11211 in which a first rear panel 141 is coupled to one side
surface 112 of an outer case 110 and the first bracket 510 coupled
by avoiding the second coupling portion 11211. FIG. 7B shows a
cross-section of a fourth forming portion flange 3244 extending
from one side surface of the machine room forming portion 300, the
second coupling portion 11211 on one side surface 112 of the outer
case 110, and the first bracket 510 coupled by avoiding the second
coupling portion 11211. FIG. 7C shows a fifth forming portion
flange 3255 on one side surface of the machine room forming portion
300, a first coupling portion 11111 of a first outer case flange
1111 extending from the bottom of one side surface 112 of the outer
case 110, and a second bracket 520 coupled by avoiding the first
coupling portion 11111.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0030] Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure
will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying
drawings. The configuration of an apparatus or a control method of
the apparatus, which will be described below, is merely given to
describe the embodiments of the present disclosure but not intended
to limit the scope of the present disclosure. The same reference
numerals used throughout the specification refer to the same
constituent elements.
[0031] Certain terminology is used herein for convenience only and
is not to be taken as a limitation on the embodiments described.
For example, expressions indicating a relative or absolute
arrangement such as "in a certain direction", "along a certain
direction", "parallel to", "orthogonal to", "center of",
"concentric to", and "coaxially" do not only strictly indicate such
arrangements but also indicate a state including a tolerance or a
relative displacement within an angle and a distance achieving the
same function.
[0032] For example, expressions indicating a state where the
objects are the same such as "the same", "equal to", and
"equivalent to" do not only strictly indicate the same state but
also indicate a state including a tolerance or a difference
achieving the same function.
[0033] For example, expressions indicating shapes such as
rectangular and cylindrical do not only indicate the shapes such as
rectangular and cylindrical in a geometrically strict sense, but
also indicate shapes including recesses/protrusions, chamfered
portions, and the like, as long as the same effect can be
obtained.
[0034] Expressions such as "comprising", "including", "includes",
"provided with", or "having" a certain component are not exclusive
expressions that exclude other components.
[0035] For the sake of brief description with reference to the
drawings, the same or equivalent components may be provided with
the same or similar reference numbers, and description thereof will
not be repeated.
[0036] A structure applied to one embodiment may be equally applied
to another embodiment unless there is any contradiction
structurally and functionally.
[0037] A singular representation may include a plural
representation unless it represents a definitely different meaning
from the context.
[0038] In the present disclosure, that which is well-known to one
of ordinary skill in the relevant art has generally been omitted
for the sake of brevity.
[0039] The accompanying drawings are used to help easily understand
various technical features and it should be understood that the
embodiments presented herein are not limited by the accompanying
drawings. As such, the present disclosure should be construed to
extend to any alterations, equivalents and substitutes in addition
to those which are particularly set out in the accompanying
drawings.
[0040] As described above, the conventional laundry treating
apparatus using the frames 11 and 12 has the following problems.
The manufacturing of the laundry treating apparatus is
time-consuming. If a specific coupling member is not completely
coupled or omitted, the durability of the laundry treating
apparatus is not guaranteed. That is, the defect rate
increases.
[0041] To solve the above problems, the frames 11 and 12 may be
replaced with foamed plastics. The foamed plastics are polymer
materials with foam or porous structures, which are obtained by
generating gases using a foaming agent. Further, the foamed plastic
may mean an inhomogeneous suspension of solid polymer materials and
gases.
[0042] The foamed plastics are widely used as functional composites
in various products due to their low weight, high impact
absorption, high sound insulation, high heat insulation, etc. Any
one of polyurethane, polystyrene, and polyolefin may be used as the
raw polymer material of the foamed plastics. In addition to that,
phenolic resin, polyvinyl chloride, urea resin, silicon, polyimide,
and melamine resin may be foamed and used.
[0043] In particular, polyurethanes are polymers composed of a soft
segment consisting of polyols and a hard segment generated by
reaction with diisocyanates. The properties of a segmented
polyurethane polymer vary depending on the types of raw materials
and composite methods so that the polyurethane polymer may be used
for various purposes. Particularly, the combination of isocyanates
and hydroxyl groups is defined as a urethane combination, and the
polyurethanes are coupling of multiple urethane combinations, if
urethane combinations are selectively created under various
conditions, polyurethanes with high elasticity, polyurethanes as
soft as rubber, polyurethanes as stiff as wood, etc. may be made,
and the characteristics thereof may be controlled as desired.
[0044] The polyurethanes have been widely used as insulators and,
more particularly, as foamed materials for energy saving. Recently,
the polyurethanes have also been widely used as insulators in
electric and electronic products.
[0045] Polyurethane foam is composed of a solid polymer and a
foaming gas. As the reaction temperature increases during the
polyurethane synthesis reaction, the foaming gas evaporates and is
placed in a cell in the foam, whereby the foaming gas partially
acts as a thermal barrier.
[0046] Foaming agents mixed into a polyurethane polymer to change
the polyurethane polymer into a foamed polyurethane polymer may be
divided into chemical foaming agents and physical foaming agents.
The chemical foaming agent forms bubbles by chemical reactions, and
the physical foaming agent forms bubbles by the physical state
change of a compression gas or the state change (evaporation) of a
liquid.
[0047] For example, when the chemical foaming agent is used, water
molecules and isocyanates react to form unstable carbonic acid,
which is decomposed into amine and carbon dioxide. The amine reacts
again with the rest of the isocyanates to form urea bonds, and the
carbon dioxide forms new bubbles in the polymer. The resulting gas
grows existing bubbles and, at the same time, creates new bubbles.
However, this is merely exemplary, and various foaming agents may
be used depending on the purpose.
[0048] For foam molding, the preassembled laundry treating
apparatus 100 may be put into a prepared foaming mold or foaming
jig, and then foamed plastics may be injected into inlets 1411 to
1416 disposed on the laundry treating apparatus 100.
[0049] Since the foamed plastics are in a liquid state before the
injection, the foamed plastics may harden during the foam molding
after being injected through the inlets 1411 to 1416. A foaming
agent may be injected as when the foaming agent is in the liquid
state. Thus, it is important to prevent the foamed plastics from
leaking.
[0050] The inlets 1411 to 1416 may be disposed on a rear panel
portion 140, which is provided at the rear of the laundry treating
apparatus 100. The foamed plastics enters foaming spaces 921 to 925
(see FIG. 2B) through the inlets 1411 to 1416. In other words, the
foaming spaces 921 to 925 are filled with the foamed plastics. Air
in the foaming space or gases generated during the foaming may be
discharged through a gas outlet 1419. The reason for this is to
prevent that the foamed plastics do not completely fill the foaming
spaces 921 to 925 (see FIG. 2B) due to residual gases or that the
inner case 120, outer case 110, or machine room forming portion 300
is deformed by foaming pressure.
[0051] If there is a crack in the laundry treating apparatus 100,
the foamed plastics may leak from the crack. This may be
interpreted to mean that the foamed plastics flow into other spaces
rather than the foaming spaces 921 to 925 (see FIG. 2B). To avoid
the leakage, all cracks and holes need to be filled up by
preassembling the laundry treating apparatus 100 before the foam.
molding.
[0052] FIG. 2A is an exploded view of components that need to be
preassembled to define the foaming spaces and avoid the leakage
before the preassembled laundry treating apparatus is put into the
foaming mold or foaming jig for the injection of the foamed
plastics.
[0053] Referring to FIG. 2A, the outer case 110 and the inner case
120 may be assembled. The outer case 110 may include a first
opening. 113 having an opening at the front thereof, a second
opening 114 having an opening at the rear thereof a third opening
115 having an opening at the bottom thereof, and a fourth opening
116 having a partial opening at the top thereof. The inner case 120
may be disposed inside the outer case 110 and define a space 125
for holding clothes.
[0054] A moving hanger installation body 611 for installing a
moving hanger may be installed in the fourth opening 116 of the
outer case 110. The moving hanger installation body 611 may include
a driver installation hole 612 for installing a driver of the
moving hanger and coupling portion insertion holes 613 and 614 into
which a coupling portion for coupling a moving hanger bar is
inserted.
[0055] In addition, inner case through holes 123 and 124, which are
connected to the coupling portion insertion holes 613 and 614, may
be defined at the top of the inner case 120.
[0056] The driver installation hole 612 may require a cover (not
shown) for blocking the hole to form a first foaming space 921,
which is defined between the top of the inner case 120 and the top
of the outer case 110 and filled with the foamed plastics. Thus,
there may be no leakage even when the foamed plastics are injected
into the first foaming space 921 (see FIG. 2B).
[0057] A tank installation portion 30 for installing a water supply
and drain tank (not shown) may be disposed at the bottom of the
inner case 120. The water supply and drain tank may be configured
to store water for steam generation and dram condensate water. The
tank installation portion 130 may be integrated with the inner case
120 or provided separately from the inner case 120. A door (not
shown), which is rotatably and movably coupled to the outer case
110 and configured to open and close the front of the inner case
120, may be installed at the bottom of the tank installation
portion 130. The door may be rotatably and movably coupled to the
left or right side of the outer case 110 depending on a user
selection. That is, the door may be coupled to either the right or
left side. Such a door is referred to as a reversible door.
[0058] Wire paths may be required for control signal exchange
between a display (not shown) and multiple sensors (not shown),
which are disposed on the door, and a controller (not shown)
disposed on the machine room 200. To this end, a first tank
installation portion through hole 131 and a second tank
installation portion through hole 132 may be defined at the bottom
of the tank installation portion 130. The first tank installation
portion through hole 131 is coupled to a first coupling body 151,
and the first coupling body 151 is coupled to a fourth forming
portion through hole 371 of the machine room forming portion 300,
which will be described later, thereby forming an enclosed wire
path.
[0059] Similarly, the second tank installation portion through hole
132 is coupled to a second coupling body 152, and the second
coupling body 152 is coupled to a fifth forming portion through
hole 372 of the machine room forming portion 300, which will be
described later, thereby forming an enclosed wire path. These
enclosed paths may prevent the leakage of the foamed plastics even
when the foamed plastics are injected into the machine room forming
portion 300 and tank installation portion 130.
[0060] Since the wire paths may change depending, on whether the
door is coupled to the right or left, it needs to be considered in
the design.
[0061] A machine room through hole 170 connected to the machine
room 200 may be defined in the tank installation portion 130. A
water supply and drain pipe or valve of the water supply and drain
tank may be connected to the inside of the machine room 200 through
a third forming portion through hole 370 of the machine room
forming portion 300. Thus, covers for sealing the machine room
through hole 170 and third forming portion through hole 370 may be
required to prevent the leakage of the foamed plastics.
[0062] A third tank installation portion through hole 135
configured to flow external air into an heat exchanger 220 in the
machine room 200 may be provided at the bottom of the tank
installation portion 130. The third tank installation portion
through hole 135 may be coupled to a third inlet duct 215, and the
third inlet duct 215 may be coupled to a sixth forming portion
through hole 375 of the machine room forming portion 300, which
will be described later, thereby forming an sealed path for drawing
external air. The third inlet duct 215 may prevent the leakage of
the foamed plastics even when the foamed plastics are injected into
the machine room forming portion 300 and tank installation portion
130.
[0063] A leg fixing portion 165 may be provided at the front of the
third opening 115 defined on the bottom of the outer case 110. The
leg fixing portion 165 may be in contact with the bottom of the
tank installation portion 130 and coupled to a first screw 166 and
a second screw 167 for placing the laundry treating apparatus 100
in parallel to the ground. A first bracket 161 and a second bracket
162 may be used to couple the leg fixing portion 165 to the bottom
of the tank installation portion 130.
[0064] Thus, a space between the machine room forming portion 300
and the tank installation portion 130 are all enclosed by the leg
fixing portion 165, the first coupling body 151, the second
coupling body 152, the third inlet duct 215, and the covers of the
machine room through hole 170 and third forming portion through
hole 370. That is, the enclosed space may form a fifth foaming
space 925 (see FIG. 2B) where the foamed plastics are foamed. The
fifth foaming space 925 (see FIG. 2B) may prevent the leakage of
the foamed plastics during the injection of the foamed
plastics.
[0065] A second foaming space 922 (see FIG. 2B), where the foamed
plastics are injected and foamed, may be provided between a side
surface 122 of the inner, case 120 and a side surface 112 of the
outer case 110. In addition, a fourth foaming space 924 (see FIG.
2B), where the foamed plastics are injected and foamed, may be
provided between a side surface 320 of the machine room forming
portion 300 and the side surface 112 of the outer case 110.
[0066] The inner case 120 may include the space 125 for holding
clothes, The first through portion 1211 (see FIG. 3), which is
connected to the machine room 300 and configured to provide steam
into the inner case 120, may be defined on a bottom surface 121 of
the inner case 120. Also, a second through portion 1212 (see FIG.
3), which is configured to provide air into the inner case 120 may
be defined on the bottom surface 121 of the inner case 120.
Further, a third through portion 1213 (see FIG. 3), which is
configured to discharge air to the machine room 300, may be defined
on the bottom surface 121 of the inner case 120. The bottom surface
121 (see FIG. 3) may be inclined in the direction of the third
through portion 1213 so that condensed steam may be discharged.
[0067] Since the steam nozzle 260 is disposed between the first
through portion 1211 (see FIG. 3) and a mounting surface 350 of the
machine room forming portion 300, it is possible to prevent leakage
through a first mounting surface through hole 351 (see FIG. 5) and
a second mounting surface through hole 352 (see FIG. 5), which are
defined between the first through portion 1211 (see FIG. 3) and the
mounting surface 350.
[0068] A first rotation coupling body 191 may be provided between
the second through portion 1212 (see FIG. 3) and a first forming
portion through hole 361, and a second rotation coupling body 192
may be provided between the third through portion 1213, (see FIG.
3) and a second forming portion through hole 362. Thus, a third
foaming space 923, which is provided between the top surface of the
machine room forming portion 300 (i.e., a first machine room
forming surface 310) and the bottom surface 121 of the inner case
120, is sealed. The sealing of the third foaming space 923 may
prevent the leakage of the foamed plastics.
[0069] The forming spaces, which are defined between the outer case
110 and inner case 120, between the outer case 110 and machine room
forming portion 300, between the inner case 120 and machine room
forming portion 300, may be filled with the foamed plastics. All of
the foaming spaces may be integrated.
[0070] In other words, the first foaming space 921 (see FIG. 2B),
second foaming space 922 (see FIG. 2B), third foaming space 923
(see FIG. 2B), fourth foaming space 924 (see FIG. 2B), and fifth
foaming space 925 (see FIG. 2B) may be connected to each other.
Thus, when the foamed plastics are injected through the inlets 1411
to 1416 disposed on a first rear panel 141, the foamed plastics may
flow into and fill in all of the foaming spaces.
[0071] Before the injection of the foamed plastics, a reinforcing
portion 500 may be installed between each side surface 320 of the
machine room forming portion 300 and each side surface 112 of the
outer case 110. The reinforcing portion 500 is provided to prevent
the outer case 110 from being deformed when the bottom of the outer
case 110 becomes weak.
[0072] The reinforcing portion 500 is an L-shape bracket. That is,
the reinforcing portion 500 is coupled to a rear portion of the
side surface of 112 of the outer case 110, which is coupled to a
second rear panel 142, and a bottom portion of the side surface 112
of the outer case 110, which is coupled to a base 190 that forms
the floor of the laundry treating apparatus 100. length L2 of the
reinforcing portion 500 coupled to the rear portion of the side
surface of 112 of the outer case 110, which is coupled to the
second rear panel 142, may be the same as the length L1 of the
reinforcing portion 500 coupled to the bottom portion of the side
surface 112 of the outer case 110, which is coupled to the base 190
that forms the floor of the laundry treating apparatus 100.
Accordingly, the reinforcing portion 500 may be commonly installed
two side surfaces.
[0073] The reinforcing portion 500 may include a first bracket 510
and a second bracket 520 installed on the two side surfaces 112 of
the outer case 110. Each bracket may be coupled to any one side
surface 112 of the outer case 110 as described above.
[0074] FIG. 2(b) shows that the components shown in FIG. 2A are
preassembled. Although the reinforcing portion 500 is invisible
after assembly, FIG. 2B shows the reinforcing portion 500 to
indicate the location thereof.
[0075] The foamed plastics including a foaming material (agent) are
injected through the inlets 1411 to 1416 disposed on the first rear
panel 141, which is provided at the rear of the preassembled
laundry treating apparatus 100, and residual gases are discharged
through the gas outlet 1419 on the first rear panel 141.
[0076] FIG. 3 shows a cross-section of the inner case 120 and
machine room 200, In FIG. 3, inlet ducts 211, 212, and 215
configured to provide air into the inner case 120, the heat
exchanger 220 including an evaporator 221 and a condenser 222, a
steam generator 250 configured to provide steam are illustrated. In
addition, the first through portions 1211 provided at the bottom
surface 121 of the inner case 120 and configured to provide steam,
the second through portion 1212 configured to provide air, and the
third through portion 1213 configured to discharge air or steam to
the machine room 200 are illustrated. The steam generator 250 may
include a heater and provide steam into the inner case 120 through
the steam nozzle 260 (see FIG. 2A) by vaporizing water supplied
from the water supply tank (not shown).
[0077] FIG. 4 is a view of the preassembled laundry treating
apparatus viewed from the rear and bottom thereof. The base 190 may
be coupled to the two side surfaces 112 of the outer case 110 in
the direction of the third opening 115 of the outer case 110. The
base 190 may define the floor of the laundry treating apparatus
100. A first outer case flange 1111 may extend from two edges
facing in the direction of the third opening 115 on the two side
surfaces 112 of the outer case 110. The first outer case flange
1111 may be coupled to a fan forming portion flange 3255 of the
machine room forming portion 300, which will be described
later.
[0078] The first rear panel 141 may be coupled to the outer case
110 in the direction of the second opening 114 and the second rear
panel 142 may be disposed at a location corresponding to that of
the machine room forming portion 300, The rear panels 141 and 142
may define the rear surface of the outer case 110. A second outer
case flange 1121 may extend from two edges facing, in the direction
of the second opening 114 on the two side surfaces 112 of the outer
case 110. The second outer case flange 1121 may be coupled to a
fourth forming portion flange 3244 of the machine room forming
portion 300, which will be described later.
[0079] FIG. 5 shows the machine room forming portion 300 provided
at the bottom of the inner case 120, Specifically, FIG. 5A is a
view of the machine room forming portion 300 viewed from the front
thereof, and FIG. 5B is a view of the machine room forming portion
300 viewed from the rear thereof The machine room forming portion
300 is preassembled before the foam molding. The reason for this is
to provide a space so-called "machine room" after the foam molding.
The machine room forming portion 300 is opened in the directions of
the second opening 114 and third opening 115 of the outer case 110.
The first machine room forming surface 310 defining the top surface
may include the mounting surface 350, first forming portion through
hole 361, and second forming portion through hole 362. The machine
room forming portion 300 may further include second machine room
forming surfaces 320 defining two side surfaces, the third forming
portion through hole 370 defining the from surface of the machine
room forming portion 300 and connected to the tank installation
portion 130, and a third machine room forming surface 330 including
the fourth forming portion through hole 371, fifth forming portion
through hole 372, and sixth forming portion through hole 375.
[0080] As described above, the first rotation coupling body 191 may
he coupled to the first forming portion through hole 361
penetrating; the first machine room forming surface 310, and the
second rotation coupling body 192 may be coupled to the second
forming portion through hole 362 penetrating the first machine room
forming surface 310. Thus, it is possible to prevent the foamed
plastics from leaking from the third foaming space 923 through the
through holes on first machine room forming surface 310.
[0081] The water supply and drain pipe or valve of the water supply
and drain tank may be connected to the inside of the machine room
200 through the third forming portion through hole 370 penetrating
the third machine room forming surface 330. Thus, the cover for
sealing the machine room through hole 170 may be required to
prevent the leakage of the foamed plastics.
[0082] To form wire paths, the fourth forming portion through hole
371 and fifth forming portion through hole 372 penetrating the
third machine room forming surface 330 may be connected to the
first coupling body 151 and second coupling body 152, respectively.
These connections may prevent leakage from the fifth foaming space
925 to the machine room forming portion 300.
[0083] The sixth forming portion through hole 375 penetrating the
third machine room forming surface 330 may configured to draw
external air through the connection with the third inlet duct 215
and perform dehumidification through the heat exchanger 220. The
third inlet duct 215 may prevent leakage from the fifth foaming
space 925 to the machine room forming portion 300.
[0084] The first machine room forming surface 310 may include a
first edge, which is an edge placed in the direction of the second
opening 114 of the outer case 110 and second edges 322, which are
two edges in contact with the second machine room forming surfaces
320.
[0085] The second machine room forming surfaces 320 defining the
two side surfaces of the machine room funning portion 300 may
include the second edges 322, a third edge 323 in contact with the
third machine room forming surface 330, a fourth edge 324 placed in
the direction of the second opening 114, and a fifth edge 325 in
contact with the base 190 and placed in the direction of the third
opening 115. The reinforcing portion 500 may be provided between
each of the second machine room forming surfaces 320 and the outer
case 110.
[0086] A part of the first machine room forming surface 310
including the first edge 311 may be elevated toward the bottom
surface 121 of the inner case 120 so as to form the mounting
surface 350. The elevated length of the mounting surface 350 from
the first machine room forming surface 310 may be smaller than the
height of the third foaming space 923 where the mounting surface
350 is placed, that is, the distance between the bottom surface 121
of the inner case 120 and the first machine room forming surface
310. Accordingly, when the machine room forming portion 300 is
preassembled with the bottom of the inner case 120, the machine
room forming portion 300 may not be interference by the mounting
surface 350.
[0087] Further, the preassembled steam nozzle 260 may prevent the
elevation of the mounting surface 350 from being interfered by the
mold or zig (not shown) inserted into the machine
[0088] To prevent the machine room forming portion 300 (see FIG.
2A) from being deformed by the foaming pressure during the foam
molding or from being changed unexpectedly during the hardening of
the foamed plastics, an intermediate mold, an intermediate jig,
etc. may be inserted so that the machine room 200 (see FIG. 2B) may
act as the secondary supporter (not shown). In this case, the
insertion of the intermediate mold or zig may be disturbed by a
steam inlet 2641 and a condensate water outlet 2645 disposed in the
steam nozzle 260, which are illustrated in FIG. 7. To avoid this
problem, the inserted length (IL) of the steam inlet 2641 and
condensate water outlet 2645 may be designed to be smaller than the
elevated length (EL) of the mounting surface 350.
[0089] The mounting surface 350 may include first mounting surface
through hole 351 into which the steam inlet 2641 is inserted and
the second mounting surface through hole 352 in to which the
condensate water outlet 2645 is inserted. A mounting surface
protruding portion 355 (see FIG. 6B) may be defined on the first
mounting surface through hole 351 and second mounting surface
through hole 352 such that the first mounting surface through hole
351 and second mounting surface through hole 352 protrude toward
the inner case 120. The mounting surface 350 may be coupled to the
first machine room forming surface 310 along the inclined
surface.
[0090] A part of the first edge 311 may also be elevated when the
mounting surface 350 is elevated, The entirety of the first edge
311 including the elevated part may include a first forming portion
flange 3111 that extends from the first edge 311 in the direction
of the inner case 120.
[0091] Since the second machine room forming surfaces 320 defining
the two side surfaces of the machine room forming portion 300 are
bilateral symmetry, one of them will be described. One of the
second machine room forming surfaces 320 may include the second
edge 322, third edge 323, fourth edge 324, and fifth edge 325. The
second edge 322 may include a second forming portion flange 3222
that extends toward the inner case 120. The first forming portion
flange 3111 and second forming portion flange 3222 may have the
same EL. The third edge 323 may include a third forming portion
flange 3233 that extends toward the tank installation. portion 130.
The third forming, portion flange 3233 may be the same EL as the
first forming portion flange 3111. Thus, the first forming portion
flange 3111, second forming portion flange 3222, and third forming
portion flange 3233 may be integrated with no gaps.
[0092] The fourth edge 324 may be bent after extending toward the
side surface 112 of the outer case 110 and then extend toward the
tank installation portion 130. Thus, the fourth edge 324 may become
an L-shape flange viewed from the top so that it may be inserted
into and coupled to the second outer case flange 1121. This may
prevent the leakage of the foamed plastics by coupling a part of
the second opening 115 to the machine room forming portion 300. The
rest of the second opening 115 may be coupled to the first rear
panel 141.
[0093] The fifth edge 325 may be bent after extending toward the
side surface 112 of the outer case 110 and then extend toward the
inner case 110. Thus, the fifth edge 325 may become an L-shape
flange viewed from the front so that it may be inserted into and
coupled to the first outer case flange 1111.
[0094] The reinforcing portion 500 may include the first bracket
510 and second bracket 520 to be installed on the two side
surfaces. The first bracket 510 and second bracket 520 may have the
same shape and size. As described above, the reinforcing portion
500 may be designed to be commonly installed on the two side
surfaces of the outer case 110. Thus, the first bracket 510 will be
described herein.
[0095] FIG. 6A shows the first bracket 510 before bending. A
rectangular metal sheet where the length is greater than the width
(length of bar (LB) is greater than width of bar (WB)) bends three
times in the width direction and then bends once in the length
direction so that the rectangular metal sheet may be shaped as
shown in FIG. 68.
[0096] A first cutout portion 518 and a second cutout portion 519,
each of which having a predetermined size, may be cut away from the
rectangular metal sheet. However, this is merely exemplary, and the
rectangular metal sheet may bend with no cut.
[0097] The rectangular metal sheet may bend three times in the
width direction so that a first bending surface 513, a second
bending surface 514, a third bending surface 515, and a fourth
bending surface 516 ma be defined. The reason for this is that the
bending of the rectangular metal sheet may increase the stiffness.
A coupling space may be required for coupling between. the outer
case 110 and the first rear panel 141 and coupling between the
outer case 110 and the machine room forming portion 300.
Accordingly, the bending of the rectangular metal sheet may define
an avoidance space for avoiding the coupling when the reinforcing
portion 500 is coupled to the side surface 112 of the outer case
110.
[0098] The first cutout portion 518 and second cutout portion 519
may be cut away from the third bending surface 515 and fourth
bending surface 516. Thus, the length LB2 of the third bending
surface 515 and fourth bending surface 516 may be smaller than the
length LB1 of the first bending surface 513 and second bending
surface 514.
[0099] FIG. 6C shows a cross-section of FIG. 6B taken along surface
C.
[0100] The width W1 of the first bending surface 513 may be longer
than the widths W2, W3, and W4 of the other bending surfaces. The
reason for this is to increase a contact area with the side surface
112 of the outer case 110 and increase the stiffness of the outer
case 110,
[0101] When the rectangular metal sheet bends once in the length
direction, a first member 511 and a second member 512 may be
defined. In addition, an overlapping portion 517 where the first
member 511 and second member 512 overlap may also be defined.
Caulking may be applied to the overlapping portion 517.
[0102] The bracket may be installed on the side surface 112 of the
outer case 110. Specifically, the first member 511 may be coupled
to the side surface 112 of the outer case 110 in the direction of
the second opening 114, and the second member 512 may be coupled to
the side surface 112 of the outer case 110 in the direction of the
third opening 115. That is, the overlapping portion 517 may be
coupled to the corner of the side surface 112 of the outer case 110
where the second opening, 114 and third opening 115 meet.
[0103] From the perspective of the bending surface, the first
bending surface 513 may be coupled to the side surface 112 of the
outer case 110, and the fourth bending surface 516 may be coupled
to the first outer case flange 1111 or second outer case flange
1121.
[0104] The length L.sub.1 of the first member 511 may be equal to
the length L.sub.2 of the second member 512. Thus, the first
bracket 510 may be coupled to any one of the two side surfaces 112
of the outer case 110 as described above. The first bracket 510 and
second bracket 520 may be in mirror symmetry to each other. In
summary, both the first bracket 510 and second bracket 520 may be
installed on any one of the two side surfaces 112 of the outer case
110.
[0105] FIG. 6B shows the first bracket 510 after the bending, and
FIG. 6C shows a cross-section of the first bracket 510. The second
bending surface 514 and third bending surface 515 may define the
avoidance space D. The avoidance space D is required to avoid the
coupling between the outer case 110 and the first rear panel 141
and the coupling between the outer case 111 and the machine room
forming portion 300 when the reinforcing portion 500 is coupled to
the side surface 112 of the outer case 110.
[0106] The first bracket 510 and second bracket 520 may be coupled
to the two side surfaces 112 of the outer case 110 using a
double-sided adhesive tape during the preassembly. The first
bracket 510 and second bracket 520 may be installed in the second
foaming space 922 and third foaming space 923, which are formed on
the side surfaces 112 of the outer case 110. Since the second
foaming space 922 and third foaming space 923 are filled with the
foamed plastics and the foamed plastics harden, the first bracket
510 and second bracket 520 may be fixed by the double-sided
adhesive tape during the preassembly with no other coupling
members. Since the brackets 510 and 520 include screw holes (not
shown) and the first outer case flange 1111 and second outer case
flange 1121 include screw holes (not shown) related thereto, they
may be coupled by screws during or after the preassembly.
[0107] FIGS. 7A and 7B show a cross-section where the first bracket
510 is coupled to the side surface 112 of the outer case 110, the
second outer case flange 1121, and the machine room forming portion
300. FIG. 7C shows a cross-section where the first bracket 510 is
coupled to the side surface 112 of the outer case 110 and the first
outer case flange 1111.
[0108] Referring to FIG. 2B, it may be seen that the length of the
first member 511 of the first bracket 510 is greater than the
height of the machine room forming portion 300. Thus, when the
first bracket 510 is installed on the side surface 112 of the outer
case 110, it may be installed in the second foaming space 922 and
third foaming space 923. In other words, a part in which the first
rear panel 141 and the machine room forming portion 300 are coupled
to the second outer case flange 1121 needs to be considered.
However, this is merely exemplary, and the length of the first
member 511 and second member 512 may be smaller than the height of
the machine room forming portion 300.
[0109] Hereinafter, the first outer case flange 1111 and second
outer case flange 1121 will be described in detail with reference
to FIG. 7.
[0110] The foamed plastics are injected into the foaming spaces 921
to 925 through the inlets 1411 to 1416. The foaming spaces 921 to
925 need to be sealed, and the foamed plastics should not leak
during the foam molding. To this end, the second opening, 114 of
the outer case 110 may be coupled to the first rear panel 141 and
machine room forming portion 300 to prevent the leakage of the
foamed plastics injected into the foaming spaces 921 to 925.
[0111] In this document, sealing may mean not an airtight state but
that the foamed plastics do not leak or that the foamed plastics
flow into only, binding sites between components preassembled to
define the foaming spaces without leakage into other parts so that
the foamed plastics are not visible to the physical eye after the
preassembly unless disassembled.
[0112] To prevent the leakage of the foamed plastics, the first
rear panel 141 may be coupled to the second outer case flange 1121,
and the second outer case flange 1121 may be coupled to the fourth
forming portion flange 3244 of the machine room forming portion 300
at the bottom. of the first rear panel 141. This coupling may
prevent leakage to the second opening 114.
[0113] The first outer case flange 1111 may be coupled to the fifth
forming portion flange 3255 of the machine room forming portion
300, thereby preventing leakage to the third opening 115.
[0114] FIG. 7A shows a cross-section of a second coupling portion
11211 where the first rear panel 141 is coupled to the second outer
case flange 1121 after the preassembly and the first bracket 510
coupled by avoiding the second coupling portion 11211. As described
above, since the first member 511 and second member 512 have the
same length, the first member 511 and second member 512 may be
installed on any one of the two side surfaces 112 of the outer case
110. Since the length of the first member 511 and second member 512
is greater than the height of the machine room forming portion 300,
the first member 511 and second member 512 may partially overlap
with the first rear panel 141.
[0115] The second outer case flange 1121, which extends from one
side surface 112 of the outer case 110 to the other side surface,
is recessed toward the first opening 113 so that the second
coupling portion 11211 is defined. A flange that bends on two sides
surfaces of the first rear panel 141 may be inserted into the
second outer case flange 1121 so that the second coupling portion
11211 may be fixed. The embodiment illustrates that the bending
flange of the first rear panel 141 has a protrusion and the
protrusion is inserted into the second coupling portion 11211 so
that the flange is hook-coupled to the second coupling portion
11211. The reason for this is to facilitate the preassembly.
However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto. That is,
other coupling methods may be used if they are capable of
preventing the leakage of the foamed plastics.
[0116] The first bending surface 513 of the first bracket 510 may
be coupled to one side surface 112 of the outer case 110, and the
fourth bending surface 516 may form the second coupling portion
11211 and then be coupled to the second outer case flange 1121.
Specifically, the second outer case flange 1121 forms the second
coupling portion 11211, and then a part further extending towards
the other side surface is coupled to the fourth bending surface
516. The second coupling portion 11211 may not be interfered by an
avoidance space formed by the second bending surface 514 and third
bending surface 515. Since the second coupling portion. 11211 may
be provided in each of the second outer case flanges 1121 provided
on the two side surfaces, the second bracket 520 may also be
assembled in a similar way.
[0117] FIG. 7B shows a cross-section of the second coupling portion
11211 where the fourth forming portion flange 3244 of the machine
room forming portion 300 is coupled to the second outer case flange
1121 at the bottom of the first rear panel 141 after the
preassembly and the first bracket 510 coupled by avoiding the
second coupling portion 11211.
[0118] As described above, the second outer case flange 1121 that
extends from one side surface 112 of the outer case 110 to the
other side surface is recessed toward the first opening 113 so that
the second coupling portion 11211 is defined. Thus, the second
coupling portion 11211 extends from an edge in the direction of the
second opening 114 on the one side surface 112 of the outer case
110 so that, a part thereof is coupled to the first rear panel 141
and the remaining part is coupled to the fourth forming portion
flange 3244 of the machine room forming portion 300.
[0119] That is FIG. 7B shows the cross-section where the first
bracket 510 is coupled to the fourth forming portion flange 3244
rather than first rear panel 141 at the bottom of the first rear
panel 141. The fourth forming portion flange 3244 may bend and
extend in an L shape so as to have a protrusion. Thus, the fourth
forming portion flange 3244 may be inserted into the second
coupling portion 11211 and then hook-coupled to the second coupling
portion 11211. The reason for this is to facilitate the
preassembly. However, the present disclosure is not limited
thereto. That is, other coupling methods may be used if they are
capable of preventing the leakage of the foamed plastics.
[0120] Each of the first bracket 510, fourth forming portion flange
3244, and second outer case flange 1121 may have a screw hole at a
corresponding location. In this case, after the preassembly, the
coupling part of each of the first bracket 510, fourth forming
portion flange 3244, and second outer case flange 1121 may he
fastened by a screw.
[0121] Similarly to FIG. 7A, the first bending surface 513 of the
first bracket 510 is coupled to one side surface 112 of the outer
case 110, and the fourth bending surface 516 forms the second
coupling portion 11211 and is then coupled to the second outer case
flange 1121. Specifically, the second outer case flange 1121 forms
the second coupling portion 11211, and then a part further
extending towards the other side surface is coupled to the fourth
bending surface 516. The second coupling portion 11211 may not be
interfered by an avoidance space formed by the second bending
surface 514 and third bending surface 515. Since the second
coupling portion 11211 may be provided in each of the second outer
case flanges 1121 provided on the two side surfaces, the second
bracket 520 may also be assembled in a similar way.
[0122] FIG. 7C shows a cross-section of a first coupling portion
11111 of the fifth forming portion flange 3255 and first outer case
flange 1111 and the second bracket 520 coupled by avoiding the
first coupling portion 11111, viewed in a direction from the second
opening 114 to the first opening 113. The first bracket 510 and
second bracket 520 may be designed to have the same bending length
such that the first bracket 510 and second bracket 520 are capable
of being installed on any one of the two sides 112 of the outer
case 110. The above design may be advantageous in terms of cost
reduction. The second bracket 520 may include a first bending
surface 523, a second bending surface 524, a third bending surface
525, and a fourth bending surface 526, which have the same shapes
and sizes as those of the above-described first bracket 510.
[0123] The fifth forming portion flange 3255 may bend and extend in
an L shape so as to have a protrusion. Thus, the fifth forming
portion flange 3255 located at the bottom of the machine room
forming portion 300 may be inserted into the first coupling portion
11111 and then hook-coupled to the first coupling portion 11111.
The reason for this is to facilitate the preassembly. However, the
present disclosure is not limited thereto. That is, other coupling
methods may be used if they are capable of preventing the leakage
of the foamed plastics.
[0124] In addition, the third bending surface 525 and fourth
bending surface 526 of the second bracket 520 may avoid the first
coupling portion 11111. The first coupling, portion 11111 may be
provided in each first outer case flanges 1111 provided on the two
side surfaces, first bracket 510 may also be assembled in a similar
way.
[0125] Although specific embodiments have been illustrated and
described herein, those of ordinary skill in the art appreciate
that the specific embodiments may be substituted with any
arrangement which are calculated to achieve the same purpose and
that the present disclosure has other applications in other
environments. It should be understood that the present disclosure
is intended to cover any adaptations or variations of the present
disclosure. The following claims are in no way intended to limit
the scope of the present disclosure to the specific embodiments
described herein. Thus, it is clear that all modifications are
included in the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents
as long as they include the components as claimed in the claims of
the present disclosure.
* * * * *